Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07040

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Human Services, Community and Social Services

DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 supporting the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division in King County. In this role, you will assist high-risk, medically fragile adults who are both medically and financially dependent as they navigate applying for crucial services that are needed for them to remain safely in the community. Your responsibilities include coordinating services, offering consultation, and completing complex eligibility determinations for Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA), SSI Facilitation, Aged, Blind, and Disabled Cash Assistance (ABD), and Housing and Essential Needs (HEN).

This position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, and to adhere to strict deadlines while serving some of Washington’s most vulnerable residents.

Some of what you'll do:

• Facilitate NGMA claims for clients needing COPES or waivered services while maintaining proficiency in NGMA, MPC, CFC, and COPES policy.
• Consult with HCS staff to determine NGMA need, coordinate referrals, and communicate disability-determination decisions.
• Coordinate medical evidence by working with health care professionals and interpreting diagnostic and functional information.
• Maintain accurate case records by updating ICMS entries, meeting deadlines, and ensuring all documents and referrals are processed timely.
• Support SSI facilitation by coordinating required forms, assisting with applications and appeals, and providing information on legal services and citizenship.
• Determine ABD/HEN eligibility by applying program policy and completing the Sequential Evaluation Process.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong communication skills demonstrated through effective interaction with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Applied social-work knowledge with the ability to use Social Work and Casework theory, principles, and practices in daily decision-making.
• Skilled client triage with the ability to assess needs, prioritize care, and manage complex client situations.
• Effective problem solving through analyzing issues, evaluating social dynamics, resolving complaints, and developing workable solutions.
• Professional interviewing and writing including interviewing clients with interpreters, composing clear and grammatically correct letters, and maintaining objectivity while supporting client independence.

Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualification options:

• Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and successful completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program
  OR
  
• A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law or justice, or a closely related field and one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience
  OR
• A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law or justice, or a closely related field and two years of paid social service experience performing duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1
  
  

Additional information:

• A two-year master’s degree in one of the fields listed above that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
• Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children or adults and providing direct, family-centered practice services.
• Equivalent education and experience totaling six or more years may be considered.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
• This role offers flexible hybrid remote work. You can be based anywhere in King County. However, occasional travel may be required based on business needs.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Cover letter

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07040.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.